No death penalty sought in northeastern South Dakota murder case

ABERDEEN, S.D. - Prosecutors will not seek the death penalty against a 38-year-old woman who has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in her murder case.

Tanisha Renee Jordan-Mondo, 38, faces murder charges in the death of Michelle Ladner, 37, who was found the evening of July 19 when police officers and emergency responders were called to a medical emergency at her apartment building in the 1500 block of South Grant Street. Ladner had stab wounds to the neck and arm, plus other superficial wounds. She died July 25 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Jordan-Mondo asked for a jury trial. Trial has been set for Feb. 19-22.

According to court documents in response to a defense motion seeking a mitigation expert, which is used in capital punishment cases, Brown County State's Attorney Chris White indicated a mitigation expert will not be needed because the death penalty will not be pursued. He noted the case doesn't have any of the aggravating circumstances listed in state law.

If convicted of murder, Jordan-Mondo would face a minimum sentence of life in prison. The death penalty is an option in premeditated murder cases.